Cinco de Mayo: 5 Strains That Will Make the Margaritas Better

The most festive bud and munchies to match.

Why not choose that leafy green substitute this year for your Cinco de Mayo carousal? Cannabis is much more forgiving on your body and soul. Whether you're watching Maná perform at the White House or catching the Playoffs this weekend- Don't get caught with a basic setup this year. Make your fiesta stand out. Often the best Mexican food you will find will be in a taqueria on the side of the road- it could be a diamond in the rough.

We've come up with five strains to enhance your Cinco de Mayo experience — below are the most festive strains and their corresponding munchies.

El Niño

This one is for the indica lovers. Greenhouse Seeds released El Niño, an indica-dominant hybrid back in 1998. This underrated gem was created with genetics from Haze, Super Skunk, Brazilian, and Indian strains. Yellowish-green nugs produce an interesting taste with hints of Mango and hard-to-place fruit notes.

Best paired with: Ceviche, when done right, can be amazing. It's hard to imagine Cinco De Mayo without including some kind of variation of ceviche. This no-cook dish is seafood cured in lemon or lime. Add fresh chile and herbs. Use crab if you don't want a fishy taste.

Diablo

For the devil inside, try Diablo. A unique blend of Grapefruit, Blueberry and South African Sativa, this indica-dominant blend first became popular in the early 2000's. Wild, purple nugs produce around 15 to 20 percent THC. The taste is fruity, earthy and spicy and you can really feel it in the back of your eyes- like an OG. Sharing is caring!

Best paired with: Prepare to inhale a bowl of mole. Outside of Mexico, whenever you hear the word “mole” it generally refers to mole poblano dishes. Seriously, how can you say no to a dish that combines chocolate with savory meat?

Mexican Haze

Mexican Haze is a blend of Jack Herer, Haze and classic Acapulco Gold. Don't be fooled. This 85 percent sativa-dominant beauty packs a punch! The taste is fruity and fresh and the high borders on hallucinogenic. Seasoned stoner veterans will enjoy the vintage taste coming from the Acapulco Gold.

Best Paired with: A classic plate of carne asada plate will do. Find good carne asada, and it will be seared and marinated to perfection. If you succumb to the munchies, you can go all out with a heaping pile of carne asada fries.

Eldorado

This “pot of gold” traces its roots to the rich jungles of Oaxaca. This connoisseur strain is a Mexican Sativa landrace from Nirvana Seeds- a strain that was stabilized after backcrossing a dozen of so generations. The effect is cerebral and the taste is pungent and sweet. Some call Eldorado's high “inspiring.”

Best paired with: Carnitas. The best thing to come out of Michoacán is its braised pork. Carnitas means “little meats.” The tender meat just falls apart! Get Al Pastor and it will be marinated in a mixture of spices and pineapple.

Santa Maria

Santa Maria was created by crossing Mexican Haze with Silver Pearl and backcrossing for stability. Santa Maria has a flowery taste with fruit hints. Santa Maria is great for those who want uplifting effects without the usual sativa characteristics.

Best paired with: Menudo is best known for its recovery effects. Many swear that it cures even the deadliest of hangovers. This traditional Mexican soup is enhanced with lime, chopped onions and cilantro. If you don't want to know what's in it, don't ask!

published on May 5, 2016

Ben Adams

Benjamin Adams is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in a slew of publications including CULTURE, Cannabis Now Magazine and The 420 Book and Vice. Follow Ben on Twitter @BenBot11 and Facebook @byBenBot.